Council gears up for licensing changes
Friday, April 4 2008
The biggest shake-up in licensing law in Scotland for 30 years comes into effect in September next year.
Out will go pubs, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and off-sales shops. In will come personal licences and premises licences.
Scottish Borders Council’s licensing team has been busy over the last few months preparing for the changes.
Existing licensed premises and registered clubs have to apply to become part of the new system. In the first tranche, out of 103 premises in the Scottish Borders that are eligible to transfer, 88 so far have applied.
These applications will now be checked by the Council and will be copied to the police for comments.
Neighbours will be notified and the applications will appear on the Council’s website at www.scotborders.gov.uk.
If granted after a hearing, new licences will become effective from 1 September 2009, when the old licence will run out.
The new system is the result of changes under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Councils must employ at least one Licensing Standards Officer, who will have a key role in ensuring premises adhere to the terms of their licence. New Local Licensing Forums, made up of representatives of the trade, community and health experts and the Chief Constable, will inform and offer comment to the Licensing Board.
Voluntary organisations will still be able to apply for permission to supply alcohol at events, while outdoor functions such as weddings can be catered for by holders of personal or premises licences.
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